I started the LPN program at MSC last month, so I am in "Block A", which
is the ungraded pass/fail "weed out" portion of the program. We are
studying Nutrition, A&P, medical terminology, math, and basic skills
(CNA). You fail if you can't get at least a 76% in all these classes.
I'm hoping for the best!
I took the NET back in May so I could start in September. I was told
the NET score was the only factor influencing admissions - they take the
top 40 applicants, and only look at other factors if there is a tie.
Almost everyone in my class has some sort of prior post-secondary
education. The average age of the students seems to be around 30.
We've had 3 or 4 people drop out so far.
The admissions packet was simple. I just had to obtain proof of
vaccinations and a mental/physical health signature from an MD, and get a
AZ DPS fingerprint card. You also need proof of CPR/CCR certification.
I couldn't get any financial aid, but most students have it. I had to
come up with $2100 before I could be admitted. The rest of the $8000
tuition is paid in monthly installments until August 2010.
Once you complete the LPN program, you can theoretically jump right into
the last year of the ASN programs at the other Maricopa County
community colleges. The community colleges leave a few seats open for
LPNs and EMTs who want to become RNs - in reality, you're getting the
seat of someone who dropped out. Grades and NET scores are important,
as there are a lot of people fighting over these seats.
I am completing my RN pre-requisites online while I do MSC's LPN
program. It's going to take me 11 months to finish all those pre-reqs.
The prerequisites for the RN are almost the same as the PA school at
Midwestern University. I'm going to apply to Midwestern to try to get
into the class that starts in 2011. It's extremely competitive - in
theory, you just need any bachelor's degree, the pre-req courses, and a
50th percentile on the GRE. In reality, they only take the top 10% of
all applicants, who all have clinical experience as nurses, EMTs,
military medics, etc.
So far I'm enjoying the LPN program at MSC. I've had a few tests so far
and they've all been very easy. There is a LOT of material you have to
learn, though. Between this program and my online courses, I could
work part time if I had to, but I'm REALLY glad I don't need to. I know
some other students have part time jobs.
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